Quick Facts
Biography
King Daemusin of Goguryeo (4–44, r. 18–44) was the third ruler of Goguryeo, the northernmost of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Daemusin led early Goguryeo through a period of massive territorial expansion, conquering several smaller nations and the powerful kingdom of Dongbuyeo.
Background
He was born as Prince Moo-hyul, the third son of King Yuri, and was thus a grandson of Jumong. He was made crown prince in the year 14, at the age of 11, and became king upon his father's death four years later. He was buried in Daesuchonwon.
Daemusin was the father of the fifth King of Goguryeo, Mobon.
Daemusin strengthened central rule of Goguryeo and expanded its territory. He annexed Dongbuyeo and killed its king Daeso in 22. Along the Amnok River, he conquered Gaema-guk in 26, and later conquered Guda-guk.
After fending off China's attack in 28, he sent his son, Prince Hodong, who was about 16 at the time, to attack the Nangnang Commandery in northwestern Korea in 32. He destroyed Nangnang in 37, but an Eastern Han army sent by Emperor Guangwu of Han, captured it in 44. The legendary love story of Prince Hodong and the Princess of Nakrang is well known in Korea to this day. The princess is said to have torn the war drums of her castle, so that Goguryeo could attack without warning.
Modern depiction
Film and television
- Portrayed by Song Il-gook in the 2008 KBS TV series The Kingdom of The Winds.
- Portrayed by Moon Sung-keun in the 2009 SBS TV series Ja Myung Go.
Others
In recent times, Daemusin served as a model for the famous Manhwa and video game Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds.
Significance of title
King Muhyul was given the title Daemusin wang, which literally means "Great Holy Warrior King". As with most Goguryeo kings, little is known about Muhyul except for what is stated in some ancient Korean sources. Some historians have inferred that the giving of such an extreme title to this man must mean that he led Goguryeo through many outstanding military accomplishments, possibly more than he is given credit for in historical texts. Another school of thought declares that the destruction of East Buyeo in itself, was an almost unthinkable feat at the time, meaning East Buyeo was a powerful kingdom according to these select scholars.
Not all Goguryeo rulers were given special titles posthumously or in their lifetime. Most Goguryeo rulers were posthumously given titles based on the place of their burial. Only a select few, such as King Gwanggaeto the Great and King Dongmyeongseong, were given such "significant" posthumous names.